VAST is a new program at SCCADV. VAST is a transitional assistance program that provides case management services to help survivors who have lost their housing or who are in danger of losing their housing because of domestic violence. The goal of the VAST program is to help survivors become employed or improve their employment options. Survivors will work with our Employment Specialist to help increase their employability. The Employment Specialist can help with resume writing, employment training, interviewing techniques, and job placement. Computer classes are also available to increase computer skills in Microsoft Office, Excel, and the internet.

CASE MANAGER
The Case Manager works one on one with survivors. VAST allows SCCADV to serve two groups of ten families for fifteen months. The Case Manager meets with the survivors to assist with goal planning, budgeting and providing referrals. Services are designed to address client's individual needs. The Case Manager will help survivors to access services within SCCADV as well as throughout the community.

COUNSELING
VAST Counselor meets with clients in the office, in their homes, or at other locations across Suffolk County. Attendance in counseling is voluntary, but survivors often find that spending the time for themselves to talk to someone, can help alleviate some of the stress they are experiencing. Support groups are available to the survivors. Children's counseling is available for the children of the survivors enrolled in the VAST program.

PARENTING GROUP
A parenting group is offered as part of the VAST program. The group offers education on parenting issues, as well as a chance for survivors to discuss issues they have been facing with parenting. Children who have witnessed domestic violence may have emotional or behavioral problems that make parenting a challenge. The group gives the survivors a chance to discuss parenting with other people who are having similar experiences.

If eligible, VAST clients will also have access to all of SCCADV's other services. VAST services are free.

*The parenting group may be available to clients who are not enrolled in the VAST program.

Persons interested in the VAST Program should call June at 631-666-7181, ext. 311 Monday - Friday during business hours.